The summary of ’10 Modern JRPGs For Newcomers’

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses recommended starting points for newcomers to Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs). They first mention their limitations, noting that they can only recommend games they’ve personally played, despite having titles like SMT5, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon on their backlog. The speaker begins with “Persona 5 Royal,” highlighting its extensive playtime, excellent pacing, striking aesthetic, and innovative dungeon design, praising it as one of the best modern JRPGs and a top recommendation for beginners. Next, they discuss “Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age,” describing it as a refined version of classic JRPGs. They appreciate its polished presentation, consistent quality across different aspects, and memorable moments despite what they consider a somewhat lacking story.

00:03:00

In this segment, the speaker discusses their mixed feelings about Dragon Quest 11, particularly their dissatisfaction with the game’s soundtrack, which detracts from the overall experience despite the game’s quality. They highlight the importance of music in gaming and compare it to Persona 5 Royal, which effectively uses music to enhance gameplay. Though Dragon Quest 11 is still recommended, it might be more appealing to new players who can overlook the soundtrack.

The conversation then shifts to recommending Tales of Arise, which the speaker praises for its art style, combat, and overall presentation. They note that the game looks timeless and offers a varied and engaging combat system. While they acknowledge some weaknesses, such as shallow antagonists and a disappointing final dungeon, these flaws do not detract significantly from the game’s overall excellence. Tales of Arise is recommended as a great starting point for newcomers to the genre and might encourage players to explore other games in the Tales series.

00:06:00

In this segment, the video discusses recommendations for three games: **Final Fantasy 7 Remake**, **Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition**, and **Neo: The World Ends With You**:

1. **Final Fantasy 7 Remake**:
– Highly recommended for both its presentation and deep narrative.
– Offers an enhanced look at characters, especially Cloud and minor characters like Jessie.
– The combat system is a blend of strategy and action, borrowing elements like the stagger mechanic from previous games, notably Final Fantasy 13.
– Additional features like the dancing mini-game are highlighted.

2. **Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition**:
– Despite the narrator not playing this version, it’s recommended based on experience with the original.
– Offers seamless combat transitions and diverse arts customization.
– Unique character playstyles and the potential for different combat experiences.
– The game’s vast open environments contribute to its thematic atmosphere, although it’s Switch-exclusive.

3. **Neo: The World Ends With You**:
– Recommended over its predecessor due to more traditional controls fitting modern platforms.
– The game is seen as standalone enough for newcomers despite being a sequel.

These games are presented as essential for fans of JRPGs and newcomers alike.

00:09:00

In this segment, the reviewer discusses the game “NEO: The World Ends with You,” emphasizing that while players can enjoy it without playing the first game, familiarity with the original enhances the experience. The story connects with its predecessor, which also has an anime adaptation for those who prefer it. The reviewer laments the series’ potential disappearance due to poor marketing by Square Enix despite its engaging premise of the “reaper’s game” in Shibuya, daily mission structure, and stylish design. The combat is highlighted for its simplicity and depth through pin customization, character abilities, and the excitement of stacking battles for better rewards. The soundtrack, featuring diverse genres, is praised for enhancing the game’s ambiance. The reviewer then transitions to “Trails of Cold Steel,” sharing personal reflections on how the game sparked their love for the series and its masterful slow pacing and engaging narrative, culminating in a memorable finale and a gripping cliffhanger.

00:12:00

In this segment, the speaker highly recommends “Trails of Cold Steel,” emphasizing its satisfying turn-based combat, impressive world-building, excellent cast of characters, and captivating music. The speaker explains that the game serves as an excellent entry point into the larger “Trails” series, known for its deep interconnections across 11 games, with extensive character and NPC development. With upcoming localizations, it’s a great time to dive into the series. Additionally, the speaker praises “Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana” for its strong story, memorable characters, engaging action-based combat, and outstanding soundtrack, considering it a top recommendation for modern JRPGs and highlighting its special personal significance.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses two games, “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim” and “Nier: Automata.” They highly recommend “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim,” describing it as a unique mix of visual novel and real-time strategy. The game involves managing 13 protagonists through side-scrolling segments and making choices that affect the story’s outcome. The narrative structure, which locks certain routes until others are completed, helps keep the story coherent. The speaker praises its art, sound design, and the engaging nature of its storytelling.

Next, the speaker talks about “Nier: Automata,” describing it as a mature, thought-provoking AAA game. It features an android duo, 2B and 9S, fighting machine threats in a dystopian world devoid of human life. The game is lauded for its thematic depth, fluid combat, and overall gameplay experience. The speaker appreciates the artistic quality and the immersive experience provided by the game’s design and mechanics.

00:18:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the game “Nier: Automata,” highlighting its genre-blending elements, including shoot-em-up and platforming sections, which keep players engaged. The game is praised for its world design, thematic coherence, music, and particularly its impressive boss battles. The speaker recommends “Nier: Automata” as a must-play for both JRPG fans and non-fans, owing to its broad appeal and excellent execution. The segment concludes with a recommendation for newcomers to try this game and a request for viewers to give a thumbs up if they enjoyed the content.